Bicycle derailer generator

ABSTRACT

A derailler, generator and rechargeable battery (acid or battery pack) for use on a bicycle headlight and tail-light.  
     3 gears to drive the generator powered by a bicycle pedaling chain.  
     A shaft on which two (2) gears are mounted.  
     A relay to switch from DC to AC for the tail light.  
     Two switches used to turn AC and DC on or off.  
     A parallel circuit connects the generator to the battery, the headlight and the tail-light.  
     A rectifier bridge to convert AC to DC and charge battery.  
     A capacitor is used with the bridge to smooth out ripple.  
     Two diodes used to supply DC to the relay.  
     Field of Search: 310, 362/193

REFERENCES CITED

[0001] United States Documents:

[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,842 Jan. 7, 2003 Ko

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,196 Sep. 12, 2000 Cheng-Yon

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,096 Aug. 15, 2000 Hicks

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,943 Aug. 3, 1999 Werner, Luessl, Mueller

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,762 Jan. 12, 1999 Schwaller

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,869 May 4, 1991 Schurmaunn

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,656 Nov. 26, 1985 David Ryan

[0009] Field of Search 320/2,3,5,21 322/1 310/75C 362/72,173

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0010] There are so many gadgets on the market today that use house hold power to charge batteries that power all sorts of toys, flashlights and tools.

[0011] So many bicyclists are confronted with the problem of being visible at all times, in good and bad weather; and at night. There is a need to illuminate their path at the same time enable other motorists to see them.

[0012] Today's market relies on rechargeable batteries to power lights. We see some of these gadgets strapped to the bicycle handle bar, some are strapped to the head of the cyclist and others are on their backs with flashing LED's. The answer lies in the automobile system that is self sustaining. We can do the same with bicycles.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

[0013] The object of this project is to stop worrying about when to ride a bicycle and for how long because of battery limitations.

[0014] The idea is to create a charging system that has controlled RPM so that bulbs don't burn out fast. The generator RPM is low and this eliminates the annoying noise created by the friction between the generator wheel and the bicycle wheel at high speed.

[0015] Previous bicycle generators have been wheel driven with no control on RPM. This system taps power from a derailler where the chains are pedal powered.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURES

[0016] A derailler that keeps the generator in contact with the bicycle chain at all times as you shift from gear to gear.

[0017] 3 gears that drive the generator One gear taps power from the chain.

[0018] Two gears increase the generator RPM.

[0019] A drive shaft on which 2 gears are mounted. One on the chain side and the other on the generator side.

[0020] A generator attached to a derailler to tap power from the bicycle chain.

[0021] A parallel electrical circuit from the generator, to the bridge rectifier, to the head and tail-lights and to the battery.

[0022] 6 diodes-4 for the bridge 2 for the relay.

[0023] A relay to switch from DC to AC for the tail-light. 2 switches to turn DC/AC on or off.

[0024] Bridge rectifier and capacitor to charge batteries and power lights.

[0025] Rechargeable battery: Acid/dry connected to the generator and lights

OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM

[0026] The power comes from the pedals. FIG. 1 as the chains move they put into motion the chain gear 5. This in turn rotates the gear outside (drive gear) 6 the derailler which then turns the generator gear 4 and thereby cause electricity to be generated. The electrical circuit FIG. 2 conveys the energy to the bridge rectifier which charges the battery 15 and lights 8 &9.

[0027] The relay is also energized and switches from DC to AC for the tail light only 9. The 2 switches 13 & 14 are used to enable or disable the lights 8 & 9, the generator 3 or the battery 15. FIG. 3 is the prior art of the generator being driven by the wheel. 

1. A. A derailler on which is mounted a generator that charges a battery/battery pack. The generator is kept in constant touch with the bicycle chain at all times in all gears. B. An AC generator mounted on a derailleur and is powered by the said chain. This generator charges said pack. It also powers the lights. C. A shaft on which is mounted 2 gears to tap power from the said chain to the generator. D. A said pack or acid battery connected to the generator, and said light. E. A parallel electrical circuit operated by a DPDT and SPST switches. When the bicycle is stationary, the battery is the power source. When the said chains are moving, the tail-light is powered by the AC only. The headlight draws power from the generator and battery. At the same time the AC generator charges the battery through the rectifier bridge. F. A relay that changes the mode of operation for the tail-light AC or DC. G. A capacitor to smooth out the ripple from the bridge rectifier. H. 2 switches to turn AC and DC on and off. I. 2 diodes are used to supply DC to the relay which operates the tail light. 